Tips to Quit Smoking

We are committed to helping you quit smoking. This information is provided with the hope that it motivates you to quit smoking. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to talk to your physician or your nurse. We hope we’ve provided you with information that will motivate you to take the first step. We’re on your side!

When Smokers Quit – The Health Benefits Over Time

20 minutes after quitting:

Your blood pressure drops to a level close to that before the last cigarette. The temperature of your hands and feet increases to normal.

8 hours after quitting:

The carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.

24 hours after quitting:

Your chance of a heart attack decreases.

2 weeks to 3 months after quitting:

Your circulation improves and your lung function increases up to 30%.

1 to 9 months after quitting:

Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath decrease; cilia (tiny hair like structures that move mucus out of the lungs) regain normal function in the lungs, increasing the ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs, and reduce infection.

1 year after quitting:

The excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker’s.

5 years after quitting:

Your stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker 5-15 years after quitting.

10 years after quitting:

The lung cancer death rate is about half that of a continuing smoker’s. The risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas decrease.